Iran promises a response following a suspected Israeli missile attack on its consulate in Damascus, killing seven people including top commanders Mohammad Reza Zahedi and Mohammad Hadi Hajriahimi of the IRGC's Quds Force. This attack marks the first targeting of the embassy compound itself by Israel, a country known for targeting Irans military installations and proxies in Syria. Iran's Ambassador to Syria mentioned that Tehrans response would be decisive, with Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian calling it a violation of international obligations and blaming Israel for the attack.
An Israeli airstrike targeted Iran's consulate in Damascus, Syria, killing a senior Iranian military adviser and several others. The strike marks an escalation of Israel's ongoing targeting of Iranian military officials in Syria. Syrian state media reported the incident, while Israel made no comment. Iranian Ambassador condemned the attack and vowed revenge. Iran stated that the consulate building housed the ambassador's residence and was completely leveled by the strike. Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes in Syria recently, targeting Iran-allied militant groups like Hezbollah. Similar previous strikes have killed Iranian advisers in Syria.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps senior commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi was killed in an airstrike on Iran’s consulate building in Damascus, Syria. Between five and seven people were reportedly killed in the attack, alleged to be an Israeli airstrike, which destroyed the building. The incident has heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Iranian officials promising a harsh response and condemning it as a breach of international conventions.
An Israeli strike destroyed the Iranian consulate building in Damascus, Syria, resulting in casualties. Syrian state media reported smoke and dust rising from the flattened structure, next to the Iranian embassy. The toll varies from 5 to 8 people killed. Syrian and Iranian sources confirmed casualties, including a senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander. Israel targeted military points near Damascus in a separate attack, injuring two civilians and causing fires at research sites. This is the 29th Israeli attack in Syria this year.
On 16 January 2024, Iran conducted a series of missile strikes in Pakistan, asserting that it had targeted militants of the Baloch separatist group Jaish ul-Adl in the Pakistani province of Balochistan. This attack occurred one day after a similar series of Iranian missile strikes in Iraq and Syria, which the Iranian government had stated were in response to the Kerman bombings by the Islamic State on 3 January. Pakistan's government condemned the strikes as an "unprovoked violation" of Pakistani airspace and stated that two children had been killed.Two days later, on 18 January, Pakistan conducted a retaliatory series of missile strikes in Iran, asserting that it had targeted militants of the Balochistan Liberation Army and the Balochistan Liberation Front in the Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchestan. Iran's government condemned the strikes and stated that nine people had been killed, including four children.Communicating through diplomatic channels on 19 January, both countries agreed to de-escalate and cooperate along the Iran–Pakistan border. Pakistan recalled the Iranian ambassador to Islamabad and reinstated the Pakistani ambassador in Tehran.Foreign Minister of Iran Hossein Amir-Abdollahian visited Pakistan on 29 January 2024 at the invitation of Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani in a push to diffuse the standoff.
A series of airstrikes in eastern Syria killed over a dozen people, including an Iranian military adviser and a World Health Organization team member in Deir el-Zour province. The strikes targeted areas including the provincial capital, Mayadeen, and Boukamal. No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Israel, known for targeting Iran-linked sites in Syria, had also carried out an airstrike in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah's aerial unit in Zboud, leading to retaliatory actions between Hezbollah and Israel.
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (Persian: حسین امیرعبداللهیان; born 23 April 1964) is an Iranian politician, diplomat and current foreign minister of Iran. He was formerly the deputy foreign minister for Arab and African Affairs from 2011 to 2016.He was special aide to the speaker of the Iranian Parliament on international affairs, Director General of International Affairs of the Islamic Consultative Assembly from the presidency of Ali Larijani to the presidency of Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Secretary-General of the Permanent Secretariat of the International Conference in Support of the Palestinian Intifada, Managing Director of Palestine Strategic Dialogue Quarterly.He was appointed Deputy Foreign Minister during the ministry of Ali Akbar Salehi, which was retained in the first three years of Mohammad Javad Zarif's ministry. He is currently professor at the Foreign Ministry's School of International Relations.After the implicit resignation of Zarif, the name of Amirabdollahian was mentioned by some media outlets as one of the candidates for the post of minister, who was close to Ali Larijani, the speaker of the then Iranian parliament.
Iran and the United States have had no formal diplomatic relations since 7 April 1980. Instead, Pakistan serves as Iran's protecting power in the United States, while Switzerland serves as the United States' protecting power in Iran. Contacts are carried out through the Iranian Interests Section of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the US Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Tehran. In August 2018, Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei banned direct talks with the United States.Relations between the two nations began in the mid-to-late 19th century, when Iran was known to the west as Persia. Persia was very wary of British and Russian colonial interests during the Great Game. By contrast, the United States was seen as a more trustworthy foreign power, and the Americans Arthur Millspaugh and Morgan Shuster were even appointed treasurers-general by the Shahs of the time. During World War II, Persia was invaded by the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union, both US allies, but relations continued to be positive after the war until the later years of the government of Mohammad Mosaddegh, who was overthrown by a coup organized by the Central Intelligence Agency and aided by MI6. This was followed by an era of close alliance between Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's regime and the US government, Persia being one of the US's closest allies, which was in turn followed by a dramatic reversal and disagreement between the two countries after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.Iranian explanations for the animosity with the United States include “the natural and unavoidable conflict between the Islamic system” and “such an oppressive power as the United States, which is trying to establish a global dictatorship and further its own interests by dominating other nations and trampling on their rights”, as well as the United States support for Israel (“the Zionist entity”). In the West, however, different explanations have been considered, including the Iranian government's need for an external bogeyman to furnish a pretext for domestic repression against pro-democratic forces and to bind the government to its loyal constituency. The United States attributes the worsening of relations to the 1979–81 Iran hostage crisis, Iran's repeated human rights abuses since the Islamic Revolution, different restriction by using spy methods on democratic revolution by US, its anti-Western ideology and its nuclear program.Since 1995, the United States has had an embargo on trade with Iran. In 2015, the United States led successful negotiations for a nuclear deal (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) intended to place substantial limits on Iran's nuclear program, including IAEA inspections and limitations on enrichment levels. In 2016, most sanctions on Iran were lifted. The Trump administration unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear deal and re-imposed sanctions in 2018, initiating what became known as the "maximum pressure campaign" against Iran. In response, Iran gradually reduced its commitments under the nuclear deal and eventually exceeded pre-JCPOA enrichment levels.According to a 2013 BBC World Service poll, 5% of Americans view Iranian influence positively, with 87% expressing a negative view, the most unfavorable perception of Iran in the world. On the other hand, research has shown that most Iranians hold a positive attitude about the American people, though not the US government. According to a 2019 survey by IranPoll, 13% of Iranians have a favorable view of the United States, with 86% expressing an unfavorable view, the most unfavorable perception of the United States in the world. According to a 2018 Pew poll, 39% of Americans say that limiting the power and influence of Iran should be a top foreign policy priority. Relations tend to improve when the two countries have overlapping goals, such as repelling Sunni militants during the Iraq War and the intervention against ISIS.
US and Israeli officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security advisers, discussed concerns about a possible invasion of Rafah in Gaza during a virtual meeting. Israel agreed to consider US concerns and continue discussions, despite wanting to defeat Hamas in Rafah. Talks were initially delayed after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu protested a UN Security Council resolution. Biden administration has faced backlash for arms transfers to Israel amid increasing criticism of civilian casualties in Gaza.
Tens of thousands of Israelis protest against the government's handling of the Israel-Hamas war, urging a cease-fire to release hostages held by Hamas and calling for early elections. Divisions have resurfaced over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership despite initial unity after Hamas attacks. Efforts to bring home hostages following a weeklong cease-fire have stalled, with families expressing frustration and blaming Netanyahu for hindering negotiations. Netanyahu vows to invade Rafah despite pressure, but achieving goals remains challenging.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Islamic Republic of Iran is the official representative of the President and the Government of the Russian Federation to the President and the Government of Iran.The ambassador and his staff work at large in the Embassy of Russia in Tehran. There are consulates general in Isfahan and Rasht. The post of Russian Ambassador to Iran is currently held by Alexey Dedov, incumbent since 8 September 2022.
Iran has several research sites, two uranium mines, a research reactor, and uranium processing facilities that include three known uranium enrichment plants.Commencing in the 1950s with support from the United States (under the Atoms for Peace program), Iran's nuclear program was initially geared toward peaceful scientific exploration. In 1970, Iran ratified the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), subjecting its nuclear activities to IAEA inspections. After the 1979 Iranian Revolution, cooperation ceased and Iran pursued its nuclear program clandestinely.An investigation by the IAEA was launched as declarations by the National Council of Resistance of Iran in 2002 revealed undeclared Iranian nuclear activities. In 2006, Iran's noncompliance with its NPT obligations moved the United Nations Security Council to demand Iran suspend its programs.In 2007, the United States National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) stated Iran halted an alleged active nuclear weapons program in 2003. In November 2011, the IAEA reported credible evidence that Iran had been conducting experiments aimed at designing a nuclear bomb, and that research may have continued on a smaller scale after that time. On 1 May 2018 the IAEA reiterated its 2015 report, saying it had found no credible evidence of nuclear weapons activity after 2009.Operational since September 2011, the Bushehr I reactor marked Iran's entry into nuclear power with Russia's assistance. This became an important milestone for Rosatom to become the largest player in the world nuclear power market. Anticipated to reach full capacity by the end of 2012, Iran had also begun constructing a new 300 MW Darkhovin Nuclear Power Plant and expressed plans for additional medium-sized nuclear power plants and uranium mines in the future.Despite the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) aimed at addressing Iran's nuclear concerns, the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 prompted renewed sanctions, impacting diplomatic relations. The IAEA certified Iran's compliance up until 2019, but subsequent breaches strained the agreement. In a 2020 IAEA report, Iran was said to have breached the JCPOA and faced criticism from signatories.In 2021, Iran faced scrutiny regarding its assertion that the nuclear program was exclusively for peaceful purposes, especially with references to growth in satellites, missiles, and nuclear weapons.In April 2022, Atomic Energy Organization of Iran head Mohammad Eslami announced a strategic plan for 10 GWe of nuclear electricity generation.In October 2023, an IAEA report estimated Iran has increased its uranium stockpile twenty-two times over the 2015 agreed JCPOA limit.
Mohammad Reza Zahedi (Persian: محمدرضا زاهدی; 2 November 1960 – 1 April 2024) was an Iranian senior military officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. He previously commanded its Air Force and Ground Force and was one of the top commanders of the Quds Force at the time of his death. He was killed by an Israeli airstrike in the Syrian capital Damascus during the Israel–Hamas war.
Israeli airstrikes near the Syrian city of Aleppo have resulted in casualties among civilians and military personnel, with conflicting reports on the exact numbers. The strikes coincided with drone attacks by Syrian insurgent groups on civilian targets in Aleppo and its suburbs. The Israeli strikes targeted missile depots belonging to Hezbollah in southern Aleppo, leading to dozens of soldiers being killed or wounded. Israel frequently conducts airstrikes on Iran-linked targets in Syria without public acknowledgment.
Tens of thousands of Israelis marched in Jerusalem demanding increased efforts to free captives in Gaza and the removal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The protests, considered the biggest since the Gaza war in October, led to police using water cannons against the demonstrators. Families of the hundred or more captives held by Hamas in Gaza joined the protests alongside Netanyahu's opponents. The ongoing demonstrations call for the government to bring the captives home, with protesters holding signs criticizing Netanyahu for failing to protect the country from Hamas and demanding elections.
Israeli troops have pulled out of al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City after a raid two weeks ago, where the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) suspected Hamas was using it as a base. Witnesses reported heavy fighting and tanks surrounding the facility during the raid. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed 21 patient deaths in the hospital, expressing concern over the deteriorating conditions and lack of supplies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the soldiers' efforts, describing the hospital as a "terrorist lair." Tensions rise between the U.S. and Israel over Netanyahu's plans, while the region faces escalating conflicts.
Russia launched the Pars 1 remote sensing and imaging satellite, developed by Iran, into orbit using a Soyuz rocket. The satellite will scan Irans topography from an orbit of 310 miles. This launch marks the fourth satellite launched by Iran this year. Western governments have expressed concerns that the technology used for satellites can also be utilized for ballistic missiles, but Iran maintains its launches are for civil or defense purposes only. The increasing cooperation between Russia and Iran has raised controversies regarding military surveillance capabilities.
Tehran is an upcoming Indian Hindi-language action thriller film directed by Arun Gopalan and produced by Dinesh Vijan. It stars John Abraham, Manushi Chhillar and Neeru Bajwa. The film is claimed to be based on true events.
Razi Mousavi (Persian: رازی موسوی; 1963 – 25 December 2023) was an Iranian general serving in the IRGC's Quds Force. He was killed by an Israeli airstrike in Sayyidah Zaynab, Rif-Dimashq, Syria during the Israel–Hamas war. At the time of his death, Mousavi was described as Iran's most influential military commander in Syria.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to shut down news network Al Jazeera under a new law allowing the government to ban foreign networks deemed to threaten national security. The law gives the prime minister and communications minister authority to temporarily close international media outlets, sparking concerns about media coverage of the war in Gaza. Netanyahu accused Al Jazeera of bias for Hamas, leading to criticism from rights groups like the Committee to Protect Journalists. Al Jazeera denounced the decision, stating it won't halt its reporting despite the accusations.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC; Persian: سپاه پاسداران انقلاب اسلامی Sepāh-e Pāsdārān-e Enqelâb-e Eslâmī, lit. 'Army of Guardians of the Islamic Revolution'), also called Sepah or Pasdaran, is a multi-service primary branch of the Iranian Armed Forces. It was officially established by Ruhollah Khomeini as a military branch in May 1979, in the aftermath of the Iranian Revolution. Whereas the Iranian Army protects the country's sovereignty in a traditional capacity, the IRGC's constitutional mandate is to ensure the integrity of the Islamic Republic. Most interpretations of this mandate assert that it entrusts the IRGC with preventing foreign interference in Iran, thwarting coups by the traditional military, and crushing "deviant movements" that harm the ideological legacy of the Islamic Revolution. Currently, the IRGC is designated as a terrorist organization by Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and the United States.As of 2011, the IRGC had at least 250,000 total personnel. The IRGC Navy is now Iran's primary force exercising operational control over the Persian Gulf. The IRGC's Basij, a paramilitary volunteer militia, has about 90,000 active personnel. It operates a media arm, known as "Sepah News" within Iran. On 16 March 2022, it adopted a new independent branch called the "Command for the Protection and Security of Nuclear Centres" involved with Iran's nuclear programme.Originating as an ideological militia, the IRGC has taken a greater role in nearly every aspect of Iranian politics and society. In 2019, Reuters described the organization as "an industrial empire with political clout". IRGC's expanded social, political, military, and economic role under Mahmoud Ahmadinejad—especially during the 2009 presidential election and the suppression of post-election protests—has led many Western analysts to argue that it has surpassed even the country's ruling clerical class in terms of political power.Since 2019, Hossein Salami has served as the IRGC's incumbent commander-in-chief.
Iran, also known as Persia and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in West Asia. It is bordered by Iraq to the west and Turkey to the northwest, Azerbaijan, Armenia, the Caspian Sea and Turkmenistan to the north, Afghanistan to the east, Pakistan to the southeast, the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf to the south. With over 90 million inhabitants in an area of 1.648 million square kilometers (0.64 million square miles), Iran ranks 17th in the world in both geographic size and population. Its capital and largest city is Tehran, with around 16 million people in its metropolitan area; other major urban centres include Mashhad, Isfahan, Karaj, and Shiraz.Iran is one of the world's oldest civilizations, beginning with the Elamites in the fourth millennium BC. It was first unified by the Medes in the seventh century BC and reached its territorial height in the sixth century BC, when Cyrus the Great founded the Achaemenid Empire, one of the largest empires in antiquity. Alexander the Great conquered the empire in the fourth century BC, and it was subsequently divided into several Hellenistic states. An Iranian rebellion established the Parthian Empire in the third century BC, which was succeeded in the third century AD by the Sasanian Empire. Arab Muslims conquered the region in the seventh century AD, leading to its Islamization. Iran became a major centre of Islamic culture and learning, and its culture, language, and customs spread across the Muslim world. A series of native Iranian Muslim dynasties ruled the country until the Seljuk and the Mongol conquests of the 11th to 14th centuries. In the 16th century, the native Safavids re-established a unified Iranian state with Twelver Shia Islam as the official religion. Under Nader Shah in the 18th century, Iran was a leading world power, though by the 19th century, it had lost significant territory through a series of conflicts with the Russian Empire. The early 20th century saw the Persian Constitutional Revolution, the establishment of the Pahlavi dynasty, and efforts at modernization. Attempts to nationalise the country's vast fossil fuel supply led to an Anglo-American coup in 1953. After the Iranian Revolution of 1979, the current Islamic republic was founded by Ruhollah Khomeini, who became the country's first supreme leader. Iran is officially governed as an Islamic republic with a presidential system, albeit with ultimate authority vested in a theocratic supreme leader (rahbar), currently Ali Khamenei since Khomeini's death in 1989. The Iranian government is authoritarian and has attracted widespread criticism for its significant constraints and violations of human rights and civil liberties.Iran is a major regional and middle power, due to its large reserves of fossil fuels—including the second largest natural gas supply and third largest proven oil reserves—strategic location in the Asian continent, and role as the focal point Shia Islam within the Middle East. It is a founding member of the United Nations, the ECO, the OIC, the OPEC, the SCO, and a member of BRICS. Owing to its long history and rich cultural legacy, Iran has 27 UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the 10th highest number in the world—and ranks fifth globally in the number inscriptions of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The people of Iran are multicultural and comprise wide variety of ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups.
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